Balcones Distilling has announced the launch of its latest whisky creation: Balcones Mirador Eclipse American Single Malt.
Inspired by the extraordinary phenomenon of a solar eclipse, this limited edition release is “a testament to the artistic whisky-making approach of Balcones and unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship”.
According to the company, the journey to Mirador Eclipse began with a reflection on the significant solar eclipse occurring across North America this year, right in the path of totality in the Balcones home base of Waco, Texas, and the profound symbolism of a solar eclipse – a momentary loss of the sun, yet an indicator of new beginnings.
Drawing inspiration from the exquisite and uncontrollable nature of eclipses, Balcones embarked on a quest to capture the essence of this celestial event in a bottle, they said.
“Solar eclipses can be anticipated but not changed. They are beyond our attempts to control, calling us back to the specific time and place we are in, making us view ourselves and our place in a different light, with fresh hues and contrasts,” said Jared Himstedt, head distiller at Balcones Distilling.
“This is exactly what it feels like to create whisky with the volatile and unexpected climate of Texas, and it is what we built into this release, playing with subtlety to give a new perspective and contrast to a whisky.”
Mirador Eclipse represents the latest experimentation in the distillery’s continued innovative approach to whisky making. While their previous Mirador releases showcase Golden Promise Malted Barley matured in refill casks, Mirador Eclipse delves deeper into the realm of flavor experimentation, inspired by how eclipses do more than just obscure and darken – they throw familiar things into a new and changed light, allowing new facets and emphases to the experience of the moment.
By introducing two strains of yeast – a red wine and a rosé yeast – alongside the house malt whisky yeast, Balcones’ artisans have unlocked a symphony of soft, blush red berry, and fruits-of-the-forest notes rarely seen in single malts.
Matured in a selection of first, second, and third-fill used Kentucky bourbon casks for four to five years, Mirador Eclipse achieves a delicate balance of fruit, grain, and palate density, culminating in a whisky experience unlike any other. With an ABV of 55% and a 750mL bottle, Mirador Eclipse embodies the spirit of Texas in every sip.
